Home Remodeling Advice
Home remodeling can be a big step in improving both your environment and the value of your home. It can increase the monetary value of your home as well as your enjoyment of it. Many people choose to remodel their homes for their comfort but it is also a popular option if you are planning to sell your home and wish to increase the market value.
Remodeling your house can sometimes be an overwhelming task if you aren't quite sure where to start. We will outline some tips here to point you in the right direction.
Begin Home Remodeling With a Budget
A home remodeling project should always begin with one primary concern which is your home remodeling budget. Before you begin, it is very important to decide how much you can afford to spend. The next step would be to decide how you plan to finance the project. Home remodeling can wind up being quite an undertaking for a home owner, but having a budget will at least give you some guidelines to help maintain costs. It has been my experience both as a builder and consumer that unexpected costs often arise and you must be prepared financially and emotionally for these possible setbacks.
Where to Start
The kitchen and bathroom are the two main areas of the house that often reveal the age of a home more than the regular living spaces do. Consequently, these are the most popular areas of houses to remodel and for good reasons. It increases the value and overall appeal of the home whether you are remodeling for your own comfort or to sell your home. The kitchen has become a focal point for entertaining and the trend has been for people to spend more time in the kitchen. Many studies have been conducted and most people prefer to move into a house that requires minimal fixing up. This is an important point to consider if you are planning to sell your house in the near future.
Kitchen Remodeling
Although kitchen remodeling often makes the most dramatic impact on the overall look of your house it often involves the most decisions because of all the various elements involved. Because it usually requires wiring and plumbing work, it may not be an ideal do-it-yourself project, unless you have substantial knowledge and experience. Kitchen remodeling can be a complex series of steps, from choosing cabinetry and flooring to finding the right appliances that will fit your lifestyle and budget.
Bathroom Remodeling
Bathrooms are another popular home remodeling project, but like kitchens, they usually involve decisions on new cabinetry, fixtures, and flooring. Bathrooms are usually easier to estimate, providing you aren't getting into complicated changes that affect the water pipes or sewage lines. Bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling can add to your home's comfort and enjoyment, as well as raise the value of the house.
The Value of Remodeling
It has been my experience that dollar for dollar, a well remodeled kitchen or bathroom will often yield two to three times the increase in value relative to what was spent on the project. These two areas of the house in particular seem to reflect the increase in value more than other areas. That is why I usually recommend your remodeling dollars should be spent first. Even if you are not planning to sell your home anytime soon, you will most certainly reap the benefits from additional comfort, energy savings and a general sense of pride.
